Newry Arts Festival 2024

Fáilte romhat chuig an cheiliúradh bhríomhar seo ar an chultúr agus ar an chruthaitheacht!

Tá Comhairle Ceantair an Iúir, Mhúrn agus an Dúin ag óstáil Fhéile Ealaíne an Iúir agus tugtar cuireadh duit tú féin a thumadh i scoth na n-ealaíon um Cháisc na bliana seo. Beidh an fhéile ar siúl go ceann seacht lá i rith na Cásca i mbliana. Léireoidh an fhéile seo éagsúlacht na mbuanna agus an áilleacht atá sa cheantar le healaín sráide a bheas spéisiúil agus mealltach; le ceol clasaiceach a chorróidh d’anam; le drámaíocht a thabharfaidh ábhar machnaimh duit; agus le greann a fhágfaidh sna trithí ag gáire thú. Bí ag spaisteoireacht trí na sráideanna agus lig don ealaín dul i bhfeidhm ort. Bain pléisiúr as draíocht na hamharclannaíochta sráide agus lig d’fhoinn an cheoil thraidisiúnta tú a mhealladh. Le taispeántais, ceardlanna idirghníomhacha agus léirithe do gach aoisghrúpa, is cinnte nach ndéanfaidh tú dearmad ar an fhéile seo go deo. Bí linn agus muid ag roinnt na n-ealaíon in áiteanna sa phobal nach mbeifí ag dúil leo; ag ceiliúradh na háilleachta agus na cruthaitheachta a shainíonn ár gceantar. Welcome to this vibrant celebration of culture and creativity! The Newry, Arts Festival, hosted by Newry Mourne and Down District Council, invites you to immerse yourself in seven days of artistic brilliance this Easter. From captivating street art to soul-stirring classical music, from thought-provoking drama to side-splitting comedy, our festival showcases the diverse talents and beauty of our region. Wander through streets transformed by art, indulge in the magic of street theatre, and let the melodies of traditional music captivate your soul. With exhibitions, interactive workshops, and performances for all ages, this festival promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we bring art to unexpected corners of our community, celebrating the beauty and creativity that define our region.

WHAT’S ON…

Monday 1st April

I am Maura Kids’ Clown Workshop

TUESDAY 2nd April

Knitting Workshop

Canvas Tote Bag Design

Indoor Drive-In Movie with Cardboard Car Building Workshop

Northern Ireland Screen Presents: Music and Memories

Unguarded

Wednesday 3rd April

Poetry and Pancakes

WONKa SCREENING

Modern Calligraphy

THE Daughters of Róisín

Thursday 4th April

Teen Canvas Painting

Baby Boogie

Geppetto

Book to Screen presents “Room”

Needle Felting

The New Leaves

Rock ‘N’ Roll Years and Dance Hall Days

FRIDAY 5TH April

Arts, crafts and skills of our Ancestors Paris Bubbles Workshop & Session - Sean Nós Singing Paint and Sip

Whitewash Macramé

Saturday 6TH April

Draíocht an Dúlra

Out of the deep blue

Arts, crafts and skills of our Ancestors Tenx9 Speaking

3D Street Artist - meet the artist Acrylic Pour & Sip

The Trial of John Mitchell Comedy Night

SUNDAY 7TH April

Out of the deep blue Comic Book Drawing Workshop Singing Circle Workshop

David Quigly & Anthony Kearns

ALL WEEK LONG

Newry artists past and present 3d street art

Monday 1st April

Kids’ Clown Workshop

Newry and Mourne Museum | 1pm - 2pm

£10 per child

What is that makes us laugh? How can we be funny? It’s not about big shoes, make up and squirty flowers... Join Amadan, creators of Geppetto and Mr Mess and learn the essential skills of being a clown.

This practical clown workshop is for all the little aspiring performers who will learn about the pleasure of being ridiculous in a space, about moving from one disaster to the next, about being always happy and optimistic playing before an audience and making them roll around with laughter.

Suitable for ages 6-10.

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry, BT34 2BY

I am Maura

Newry Town Hall | 7.30PM Start £12 adults | £10 concession

Belfast, 2005. Maura is 15 and trying to find a boyfriend. Only she’s surrounded by girls and is starting to think she might actually prefer them. Asking questions in school means awkward blushes and detention. Her only guidance is Martine McCutcheon’s ‘Perfect Moment’ and her best mate Ali.

Following its sellout Belfast run and tour, and from the creative team behind the smash hit ‘The Gap Year’, Commedia of Errors present this hilariously heartfelt look at young love. This pocket-rocket play is back for generations young and old to enjoy.

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, BT34 1DQ

Tuesday 2nd April

Knitting Workshop

Centred Soul | 10am - 12noon | £12

Inspiring Yarns will deliver a workshop for knitters to make a chunky cowl using circular needles.

You will need some basic knitting skills including being able to cast on/off, knit and purl. We’ll teach you how to knit in the round and make cable patterns following either charted or written instructions.

By the end of the two-hour session, if you haven’t finished your project, you should have a full understanding of how to finish it at home.

Centred Soul 50 - 52 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1JD

Canvas Tote Bag Design

Studio 23 | 11am - 12.30pm | £6

Come join us at the studio to make some ‘Wearable Art’!

Each child will be given a large canvas tote bag to create their piece of art.

During the workshop we will offer help and guidance to children, but the emphasis is to allow children the freedom and opportunity to design their bags how they want.

They will use pencil to sketch their drawings onto the bag, then using a range of fabric paints and markers to bring the sketch to life!

What we provide:

• Aprons • Pencils

• Fabric markers • Fabric paints

• Canvas tote bags • Help and guidance

Please note we will be using fabric paint, so it is advised that children come dressed in clothes they don’t mind getting paint on.

Studio 23 , 26 Upper Water St, Newry, BT34 1DJ

Tuesday 2nd April

INDOOR DRIVE IN MOVIE - with Cardboard Car Building Workshop

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium | £4 each

Workshop: Cardboard Car Building | 1pm - 2pm

Newry Arts Festival in association with Sticky Fingers Arts and Filmhub N.I present a unique Drive in Movie screening of Pixar’s Cars…

Join us for a pre screening workshop where children can design and build their very own cardboard car; paint, colour in and customise their creation complete with personalised number plate. Once complete the kids can park up and enjoy a screening of Cars in an indoor Drive-In experience like no other.

Movie: Pixar’s Cars (PG) | 2.15pm (Runtime 1hr 57min).

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium, 10 Upper Edward St Newry, BT35 6AX

Northern Ireland Screen

Presents - Music and Memories

Newry and Mourne Museum | 6pm - 8pm | free

Celebrate music from the past with Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive. Everything from the showbands to modern folk music and loads in between.

Access & Outreach Officer Brónagh McAtasney will present a collection of musical memories. The romance! The beats!

The hairstyles!

Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive contains thousands of films from Northern Ireland and Ulster, spanning 120 years.

This is a FREE event but booking is needed.

www.digitalfilmarchive.net

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry BT34 1DQ

3D Street Artist

Mark Cronin | Marcus Square, Hill Street

Initial installation of art work, artist will be in residence on Saturday 6th to put finishing touches to art work.

Mark Cronin, an Irish 3D street artist for over a decade, brings captivating illusions to life across the streets of Ireland. Despite the impermanence of his art, Mark’s vibrant creations engage and delight viewers, turning ordinary surfaces into portals of imagination.

This art work will create a perfect photo opportunity.

Mark Cronin will produce a piece for the festival that will celebrate the recent designation of Geopark Status and its link with the arts.

Marcus Square, Hill Street Newry

Unguarded Newry Town Hall | 8pm £12 adults | £10 concession

When a father’s world falls apart, he must battle through obstacles to ensure a future for him & his son.

Love; Laughter; Loss & Families left behind: UNGUARDED is a touching, & often comedic drama, developed by Louth actor/theatre-maker Anthony Kinahan – that uses imaginative physicality, vocal versatility & song, to highlight the vulnerable position many families find themselves in due to the lack of regulation of Surrogacy in Ireland.

Developed under the Droichead Arts Centre Artist in Association in 2021 (with the support of the Arts Council of Ireland), this production is in association with Droichead and An Táin Arts Centre, Dundalk.

“...Kinahan offers his message through music, song, and dance with extraordinary soul and depth; and above all through the wealth of anguish he brings to the issue, your heart will break on seeing this remarkable piece of work.”

Sunday Independent 28th Jan 2024 (Emer O’Kelly)

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade Newry, BT34 1DQ

Wednesday 3rd April

Poetry and Pancakes

Newry City Library

11.30am - 12.30pm | FREE

Join us for Poetry and pancakes. Bring your own work to share with others, or just bring along your favourite poem to read to the group.

Or feel free to just come along and listen and enjoy. Light refreshments served.

Newry City Library, 79 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1DG

Wonka Screening

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium workshops 12.30pm & 4.30pm | £4 each

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s Wonka books but not beholden to them, filmmaker Paul King’s prequel “Wonka”, is delightfully magical tale featuring a wonderful and tender performance from Timothée Chalamet.

Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time… with dreams of opening a shop in a city renowned for its chocolate, a young and poor Willy Wonka discovers that the industry is run by a cartel of greedy chocolatiers.

Wonka is a delightful musical treat, a prequel to the beloved Gene Wilder classic that builds off that original while adding its own unique flavour.

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium, 10 Upper Edward St, Newry, BT35 6AX

Modern Calligraphy

Centered Soul | 7pm - 9.30pm | £8

Discover the art of modern calligraphy with our beginner’s workshop. This hands-on class will provide you with the techniques to start creating beautiful lettering that will elevate any project, from invitations to home decor.

Led by experienced calligrapher and engraver, Kate from Lettering by Kate, you’ll learn the basics of calligraphy, including how to hold and use a flexible pointed nib and ink, form letters, and connect them to create words and phrases. We will begin with an introduction to modern calligraphy techniques, some warmup strokes before practising letters and then moving on to some common words and styles. There will be full guidance throughout and we will be there to help you and answer any further questions you might have.

No experience necessary. All equipment will be provided for the lesson. Before you know it, you’ll be creating greeting cards, party invitations, and artworks for your home and to give as gifts. If you have your own nibs, pen, workbooks etc. feel free to bring them along.

Centered Soul, 50 - 52 Hill ST, Newry, BT34 1JD

THE Daughters of RÓisÍn

Newry Town Hall | 8pm

£12 adults | £10 concession

The Daughters of Róisín by Aoibh Johnson is a poignant ode to Ireland’s hidden past that explores sanctioned abuse against women over the last 100 years. The play uses song, poetry and ghostly silence to explore the experience of unmarried mothers and their babies who were forced to suffer at the hands of those who should have cared for them.

The play has sold out performances and had rapturous standing ovations in Derry, Belfast, London and Dublin.

“Aoibh Johnson has a captivating presence.”

The Adelaide Show *****

“Excellent. Seeing it once might just not be enough.”

Everything Theatre

“Powerfully and brilliantly executed. Genius.”

Bernadette Devlin McAliskey

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry BT34 1DQ

Thursday 4th April

Teen Canvas Painting

Studio 23 | 11am - 12.30pm | £10

Come join us at the Studio 23 to create a hairy highland cow!

Make this painting your own by adding your own colours and background. During the workshop you will be guided step by step to create your masterpiece.

What’s included:

• Canvas • Assortment of brushes

• Acrylic paints • Apron

• Easel • Pumping music playlist

• Step by step guidance

No art experience needed. All abilities welcome. Suitable for 12+.

Studio 23, 26 Upper Water St, Newry, BT34 1DJ

Baby Boogie

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium discos at 11am & 1pm £8 Parent/toddler

Sticky Fingers Arts present an interactive dance and music event with ambient lighting and moving images, creating a multi– sensory experience for children from 0 to 4 years and their grown-ups. Wiggling, waddling, crawling, jumping and lots and lots of giggling. BABY Boogie is a highly imaginative, sensory experience for little ones to experience music in a fun way.

BABY Boogie is all about using your imagination, joining in, and having fun.

Age: suitable for 0 – 4 years.

Sticky Fingers Imaginarium, 10 Upper Edward St Newry, BT35 6AX

Geppetto

Newry Town Hall | 2pm £5

Join Geppetto on a journey of fun and laughter as he learns to love again.

Geppetto is a lonely old man, who spends his days pottering in his repair shop, half-heartedly fixing broken things, and unable to move on from his sadness. One night a mysterious and magical visitor comes to Geppetto’s shop and begins to play with the broken things leading to all manner of mix ups and mishaps. Geppetto’s new friend leads him into a world full of hope and laughter before giving him one last gift.

This story’s end is just another story’s beginning. Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, BT34 1DQ

Book to Screen presents “Room”

Newry City Library | 3pm | FREE

BOOK TO SCREEN - Movies: Ruining the Book

Since 1920…

What happens when a beloved novel is translated to the screen? How faithful is the movie to the source material? A translation from book to screen can often be a bumpy one with more films, now than ever, being adapted for the silver screen! This year’s Newry Arts Festival, in association with Newry City Library book club and Filmhub N.I, we look to select and read a book in the lead up to the film adaptation screening exploring how it translates to the big screen. The screening will be followed by a guided, friendly and informal discussion.

If you’re interested in reading the book in the lead up to the film screenings then please call into Newry Library for more information.

Synopsis:

Held captive for years in an enclosed space, a woman (Brie Larson) and her young son (Jacob Tremblay) finally gain their freedom, allowing the boy to experience the outside world for the first time.

Novel: Room by Emma Donoghue - Limited copies available from Newry City Library.

This event is suitable for 15+.

Newry City Library, 79 Hill ST, Newry, BT34 1DG

Thursday 4th April

Needle Felting

Centred Soul | 7pm - 10pm | £10

Come along and learn how to create a felted landscape picture.

Under the tuition of felt artist Louisa Kelly, you will make your very own felted artwork created using wet felting techniques.

This class is suitable for beginners and each participant will have a finished piece to take home. All materials will be provided.

Centred Soul, 50 52 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1JD

The New Leaves

Finegan & Son | 7.30pm | FREE

The New Leaves, like so many contemporary music projects, emerged from the post pandemic wilderness. The New Leaves consists of four childhood friends from County Down, Northern Ireland – who blend lush, three-part harmonies, nature inspired lyrics and modern folk aesthetics.

The four members came together to breathe life into an expanding songbook written by Mc Kay, who attempts to capture the natural beauty, history, and mythology of homelife beneath the Mourne Mountains and the beautiful townlands that surround Carlingford Lough.

This is a free non-ticketed event.

Finnegan and Son, 9 Kildare St, Newry, BT34 2BP

Rock ‘N’ Roll Years and Dance Hall Days

Newry Town Hall | 8pm | £20

Step into a dazzling time-capsule of musical magic as our all-star cast ignites the stage with a sensational homage to the unforgettable sounds of the 50s and 60’s. Get ready for an exhilarating journey through the golden ages of music, where every note carries the essence of nostalgia and joy.

Join us for an exciting evening filled with the iconic tunes that shaped a generation, from the harmonious melodwies of the Everly Brothers to the rebellious spirit of Johnny Cash. Let the infectious beats of The Four Seasons, and the timeless charm of Ruby Murray sweep you of your feet. And of course, no tribute to the era would be complete without the electrifying presence of Bobby Darin and the incomparable Elvis!

Get ready to sing along and relive the magic with your favourite hits and beloved classics. This is more than just a show; it’s a celebration of timeless music that continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Don’t miss out on this spectacular showcase of musical brilliance – its guaranteed to leave you smiling from ear to ear!

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, BT34 1DQ

Friday 5th April

Arts, crafts and skills of our Ancestors

Newry and Mourne Museum

10am - 1pm drop in | FREE

The Community Archaeology programme from Queens University will be offering drop-in workshops featuring the arts, crafts and skills of our ancestors.

Learn how to knap a flint, make and decorate a clay pinch pot, make some rope from natural fibres or learn to weave willow at these experimental archaeology demonstration sessions, then go and see the real thing from thousands of years ago in the museum.

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry, BT34 2BY

Paris Bubbles

Street Theatre, Marcus Square

12noon - 3pm | FREE

Paris Bubbles are trailblazers in the science of soap bubble art, pioneering many original and novel tricks in their pursuit of spectacular entertainment with the humble soap bubble.

Ray Bubbles, the group’s founder and lead bubbleologist, is an internationally acclaimed bubble artist working across Europe in theatres, science centres, special needs schools and at festivals with his unique high energy approach to providing entertainment.

Marcus Square, Hill St, Newry

Ceardlann

& SeisiúnAmhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós

Workshop & Session - Sean Nós Singing

Centred Soul | 7pm - 9pm | £15

Ceardlann & Seisiún – Amhránaíocht ar an Sean Nós Tiocfaidh amhránaithe clúiteacha ó dheisceart Ard Mhacha agus Contae an Dúin le chéile faoi choinne ceardlann speisialta agus seisiún amhránaíochta! Rachaidh muid ar aistear amhránaíochta sa cheardlann uathúil seo, agus beidh deis ann a chluinstin ó amhránaithe áitiúla.

Is máthair agus iníon iad Aisling Uí Ghribín agus Síomha Ní Ghribín ó dheisceart Ard Mhacha. Tá clú agus cáil bainte amach ag Síomha le roinnt blianta anuas agus cuid mhór comórtas bainte aici de thairbhe a gutha álainn uathúil a thugann beocht d’amhráin a ceantar dúchais. Bhain a máthair Aisling comórtas ag Oireachtas na Samhna 2023 – bronnadh bonn óir uirthi sa chomórtas Cáilithe Amhránaíochta ar an Sean-Nós do mhná (os cionn 35).

Tá clú agus cáil ar Ghráinne Holland mar amhránaí le blianta anuas. Rugadh i mBéal Feirste í agus tá sí anois ag cur fúithi i gCill Chua, Contae an Dúin.

Paint and Sip

Studio 23 | 7pm - 9pm | £20

2-hour canvas painting experience. Our resident artist will take you step by step through a Monstera plant painting.

All art materials supplied:

• Acrylic paint • Canvases

• Easels • Assortment of brushes

• Aprons • Pumping music playlist

Workshop & Session – Sean Nós Singing

Renowned singers from south Armagh and County Down will be coming together for this special workshop and singing session. We will go on a singing journey with a unique workshop, as well as an opportunity to hear songs from local singers.

Aisling Uí Ghribín and Síomha Ní Ghribín are mother and daughter from the south of Armagh. Síomha has achieved fame over the past several years and has won many competitions thanks to her beautiful and unique voice that brings life to songs from her native area. Her mother Aisling won a competition at the Oireachtas na Samhna 2023 –she was awarded a gold medal in Sean Nós Singing competition qualifier for women (over 35).

Gráinne Holland has been famous as a singer for years. She was born in Belfast and is now living in Kilcoo, County Down.

Centred Soul, 50 - 52 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1JD

Our venue is BYO so please feel free to bring along whatever you would like to eat or drink and we will provide you with beer, wine and champagne glasses.

All abilities welcome, no prior painting experience required.

Studio 23 26

Upper Water St, Newry, BT34 1DJ

Friday 5th April

Whitewash

Newry Variety Market

7pm - 10pm | FREE

Whitewash is a live urban draw with invited street artists. Whitewash is curated by OMIN internationally famous muralist and graffiti artist. It will take place in the Variety Market in Newry.

Fuel your senses with beats from our DJ and sip a drink from the bar as you explore the bustling artisan market, alive with the city’s energy.

Whitewash will blur the lines between observer and creator. Engage with the artists, feel the pulse of the streets, and witness first-hand the evolution of daring new techniques and skills.

Join us for an evening that goes beyond the ordinary – an authentic, urban experience that celebrates creativity in its rawest, most unapologetic form.

Whitewash: where the streets come alive, and art knows no bounds

No booking necessary.

Newry Variety Market, John Mitchel Place, Newry

Macramé

Centered Soul | 7pm - 10pm | £15

Join artist and tutor Alison Pascoe of ASTRL Fibres and discover the craft practice of Macramé: the art of knots.

Sharing the methods used in her own practice, Alison will guide you through the fundamental skills needed to complete a beautiful, knotted plant hanger to take home with you.

This course is suitable for absolute beginners and for those interested in further developing their macramé skills. All the required materials to craft one plant hanger will be provided, not including a pot, so participants are encouraged to bring along a favourite (small to medium) plant pot to help make the plant hanger to size.

Centred Soul, 50 - 52 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1JD

Saturday 6th April

Draíocht an Dúlra

Newry Town Hall | 12noon - 2pm £4 each, family ticket £15

Tá roth na bliana ag tiontú i gcónaí agus tá Gráinne Holland agus a cairde ceolmhara ag iarraidh sibh a thabhairt ar thuras fríd na séasúir le go dtig libh Draíocht an Dúlra a fheiceáil, a chluinstin agus a mhothú. Seó 50 bomaite do theaghlaigh le scéalaíocht, amhránaíocht, ceol agus damhsa.

Newry Town Hall, Bank Parade, Newry, BT34 1DQ

The wheel of the year is always turning and Gráinne Holland and her musical friends would like to take you on a journey through the seasons so that you may experience, feel and hear the magic of nature. A 50-minute show combining storytelling, songs, music and dance.

Out of the deep blue

Marcus Square, Hill Street

12noon and 2pm | FREE

The whirr of the wind cutting across a rocky beach, the whoosh of the waves lapping the shore… The illusion of calm is broken when Eko, a sentient Sea Giant, pads onto dry land. There he encounters a young girl called Violet. And that’s where the story begins.

Autin Dance Theatre’s highly acclaimed outdoor show, Out of the Deep Blue, is a tale told in 2 parts - an interactive promenade and a physical theatre duet - transporting its audiences into another world to tell a story about our own.

Through dance, movement, and masterful puppeteering, Out of the Deep Blue dives into the themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in an outdoor spectacle featuring a 13-foot-tall Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.

The show, designed with children and family audiences in mind, explores the magical story about the power of empathy and collaboration between these two beings - an ancient creature, a dispirited teen - that speaks to the world at large.

Marcus Square, Hill St, Newry

Saturday 6th April

ARTS, CRAFTS AND SKILLS OF OUR ANCESTORS

Newry and Mourne Museum | 2PM - 5PM DROP IN | FREE

The Community Archaeology programme from Queens University will be offering drop-in workshops featuring the arts, crafts and skills of our ancestors. Learn how to knap a flint, make and decorate a clay pinch pot, make some rope from natural fibres or learn to weave willow at these

Tenx9 Speaking

Centred Soul | 4pm - 6pm | FREE

Tenx9 is delighted to be taking part in the Newry Arts Festival 2024 with nine true stories on the theme Future. Get in touch with your true stories at tenx9.com/submissions and join us in Centred Soul, Hill St on April 6th at 4pm.

Tenx9 is a storytelling evening where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life. It was created in 2011 by Paul Doran &

3D Street Artist

experimental archaeology demonstration sessions, then go and see the real thing from thousands of years ago in the museum.

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry, BT34 2BY

Pádraig Ó Tuama in the Black Box in Belfast. It aims to strip away the barriers that prevent people from sharing their experiences. It is always free of charge.

Centred Soul, 50 - 52 Hill St Newry, BT34 1JD

Mark Cronin | Marcus Square, Hill Street

This art work was installed on Tuesday and has been exhibited all week, now join the artist to add the finishing touches to the piece. Mark Cronin, an Irish 3D street artist for over a decade, brings captivating illusions to life across the streets of Ireland. Despite the impermanence of his art, Mark’s vibrant creations engage and delight viewers, turning ordinary surfaces into portals of imagination. This art work will create a perfect photo opportunity. Mark Cronin will produce a piece for the festival that will celebrate the recent designation of Geopark Status and its link with the arts. Marcus Square, Hill St, Newry

Acrylic Pour & Sip

Studio 23 | 7pm - 9pm | £16

Join us at our studio in Newry for two hours of pouring paints and drinks during this fun abstract workshop! Learn the “flip cup” technique using our very own Studio 23 pouring medium and a range of highly pigmented acrylic paints and metallics!

Similar in style to resin art, you will create cascading colours on to a 20x20cm canvas. We can help you colour match this to a specific room in your home or once created you will leave your artwork at the studio for 1 week to allow it time to dry. We will then lacquer and frame this ready for you to hang!

We supply you with the following:

• Pouring medium

• Canvas

• Gloves

All abilities welcome and no prior painting experience needed!

Our venue is BYO so please feel free to bring along whatever you would like to eat or drink and we will provide you with beer, wine and champagne glasses.

Centred Soul, 50 - 52 Hill ST, Newry, BT34 1JD

• Range of acrylic paints

• Metallic paints

• Silicone

The Trial of John Mitchel

Newry Court House | 7.30pm - 10pm | £15

In Anthony Russell’s historical fantasy, John Mitchel, an unrepentant physical force Irish Republican who, more than any other writer or politician, shaped the nationalist perception of the Great Famine, is called from the grave to answer the charge that he was a racist; one who incited hatred against African Americans.

For more information and tickets go to www.newryartsfestival.com

In Courtroom Number 3 of Newry Courthouse the spirits of the dead will occupy the flesh of the renowned Newpoint Players; directed by Donal O’Hanlon.

The prosecutor is Sir Charles Gavan Duffy, founder of the Nation,and lifelong enemy of John Mitchel. Once friends, death has not diluted their bile.

Mitchel is defended by P. H. Pearse who, like de Valera, in rebelling in 1916, was inspired by the writing and sacrifice of John Mitchel

Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator, who believed only in moral force, is the chief witness for the prosecution. O’Connell was friend and mentor to Frederick Douglas, escaped slave and the ‘Black O’Connell’.

• Aprons

• Music to get groovy to!

• Step by step instructions

Mitchel’s loyal and adventurous wife, Jenny Verner, is called as a witness for the defence. She sacrificed two sons on the altar of slavery, but would not own a slave.

All the shades are aware of what has happened in Ireland since they died and comment accordingly. The judge, Dionysus Cronos. was present at the Trial of Socrates. The audience is the jury and will decide if John Mitchel’s legacy, as represented by his statue, should continue to be honoured on the streets of Newry.

Newry Court House (court 3) 23 New St, Newry, BT35 6AD

www.newryartsfestival.com

Saturday 6th April

Panic Station Comedy

Town Hall Takeover 2 Newry Town Hall | 7.45pm | £17.50

Following the February show’s record breaking, 90 minute-sell-out, this is a second opportunity to Take over the Town Hall and roll in the aisles with legendary performers, Colin Murphy, Johnny Bow, Damo Clark and Darren Matthews. The Show will be MC’d by Lianne McCooey.

lianne mccooey

Sunday 7th April

Out of the deep blue

Monaghan Street and McClelland Park 12 noon and 2pm| FREE

The whirr of the wind cutting across a rocky beach, the whoosh of the waves lapping the shore… The illusion of calm is broken when Eko, a sentient Sea Giant, pads onto dry land. There he encounters a young girl called Violet. And that’s where the story begins.

Enjoy comedy to suit all tastes varying from edgy topical satire to dark, sharp one-liners with the odd dad joke thrown in for good measure. Grab at the chance to catch this raw, electric comedy, tickets will fly out!

Autin Dance Theatre’s highly acclaimed outdoor show, Out of the Deep Blue, is a tale told in 2 parts - an interactive promenade and a physical theatre duet - transporting its audiences into another world to tell a story about our own.

Through dance, movement, and masterful puppeteering, Out of the Deep Blue dives into the themes of the climate emergency and the biodiversity crisis in an outdoor spectacle featuring a 13-foot-tall Puppet operated by 5 world-class puppeteers and contemporary dancers.

The show, designed with children and family audiences in mind, explores the magical story about the power of empathy and collaboration between these two beings - an ancient creature, a dispirited teen - that speaks to the world at large. Monaghan St (for walkaround) and McClelland Park, 5 Corry Square, Newry BT35 6AW (for outdoor theatre)

Damian Clark

Darren Matthews

Colin Murphy

johnny bow

Sunday 7th April

Comic Book Drawing Workshop

Newry and Mourne Museum | 2pm - 4pm | £15

Join professional comic artist Ruairí Coleman for a two-hour workshop, “An introduction to drawing comics!” where Ruairí will share the basic skills he’s acquired working for publishers like Marvel and DC Comics to help you bring your art to the next level!

During the class, you will draw your own comic book page and learn some tricks the best comic artists use to make their work stand out from the crowd! Ruairí will be on hand to explain everything you need to know, answer your questions and give you some tips and hints to improve your work.

The class is open to comic artists aged 13 and above of any skill level: you don’t have to be the best artist in the world right now, you just have to love drawing comics! If you’re already making your own comics, Awesome! Bring them along! Basic materials will be supplied (an A3 comic book template, HB Pencil, Eraser and Ruler) but you’re welcome to bring your own tools as well! The comic book page you create in class will be yours to take home after!

Over the two hours, Ruairí will give you some insight on what it’s like to work for the biggest publishers in comics, what comic book publishers want to see from your work and answer any questions you have about working in the comics industry!

The workshop is open to ten attendees and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.

About Ruairí

Ruairí Coleman is a professional Comic Artist from Co. Armagh. Since 2012 he’s been making a living from drawing comic books and currently you can see his art in the pages of Captain Marvel from Marvel Comics and Astonishing Times, a digital comic available exclusively on Amazon and Kindle.

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry, BT34 2BY

Singing Circle Workshop

Centred Soul | 2pm - 4pm | £10

Come and experience the joy of singing at our traditional singing workshop! Join us for an unforgettable afternoon led by the talented South Armagh singer, Colleen Savage. You will have the opportunity to learn and sing some of the songs synonymous with counties Armagh and Down. No matter if you’re a seasoned singer or a complete beginner, you will be warmly welcomed and encouraged to sing your heart out. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with others and share in the joy of song.

Colleen Savage is a traditional singer from Crossmaglen, South Armagh. The current chair of the Ring of Gullion Landscape Partnership, she is a research scholar Dundalk Institute of Technology, undertaking research on her local song tradition.

Centred Soul, 50 - 52 Hill St, Newry, BT34 1JD

David Quigley and Anthony Kearns

St Mary’s Church | 6pm | £10

Concession £8

Concert pianist David Quigley was born in Camlough, Co, Armagh. He is no stranger to Newry audiences as cofounder of Newry Chamber Music and pianist of the Fews Ensemble. David has performed as soloist at major concert halls throughout the world including Carnegie Hall and The Wigmore Hall.

Renowned tenor Anthony Kearns took the American television audience by storm in 1999 as a member of the wildly popular group, The Irish Tenors. His international solo career includes high-profile celebrity engagements, television appearances, concert tours, and collaborations with some of the world’s finest orchestras.

David and Anthony present a beautiful concert of Irish and light classical music. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon in Spring.

St Mary’s Church, John Mitchel Place, Newry

Anthony Kearns

David Quigley

Newry Artists Past and Present Exhibition

Newry and Mourne Museum | all week | FREE

This exhibition celebrates the works of talented artists who hail from Newry or who have found inspiration in the local area.

This exhibition features a collection of fine and applied art, including sculptures, dating from the late 19th century up until the present, and offers a unique opportunity to explore artworks from the Museum Collection that are not typically on display.

At the core of this display is the exploration of how these remarkable artists have utilised their skills to respond to the local landscape, the areas rich history and significant social and political events.

In addition to the Museum’s own collection, the exhibition includes several works on loan and

exciting new additions, including contemporary and abstract pieces.

The exhibition features the works of esteemed artists such as John Nixon, Margaret Clarke, Colin Turner, John Haugh, John Bannon, Cora Harrington, Sean Hillen, Greag Mac a’ tSaoir, Anna-Marie Savage and Russell Reid. Their exceptional talents will undoubtedly captivate visitors.

The exhibition is housed in Gallery Three of the Museum and is open to the public free of charge.

Newry and Mourne Museum, 36 Castle St, Newry, BT34 2BY